Pursuing an MD/PhD at Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, entering class of 2023

Major: Chemistry with a certificate in Hebrew Language

Significant college activities: Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad, Cap and Gown Club, Center for Jewish Life, Cava Solid State Chemistry Laboratory, Princeton Running Club, Princeton Peer Nightline, Orange Key, National Suicide Hotline, Outpatient Pediatric Shadowing

Words of wisdom about being prehealth at Princeton: It was not until I spoke to my medical school applicant peers from other universities that I realized how much harder it was to be pre-med at Princeton. We are unique in the Ivy League and among other schools of similar caliber in that we do not have an affiliated medical school, which typically provides built in resources for pre-medical students such as medically focused bench research, direct access to patient samples, an integrated clinical shadowing program featuring inpatient and outpatient experiences, and a wealth of medical faculty from whom to receive mentorship. There are so many resources at Princeton that it is sometimes hard to recognize what you do not have, and I wish these factors were pointed out to me earlier or compensated for in some fashion. All my clinical experiences in college came from opportunities outside of the University, something I that thought was a coincidence at first, but in retrospect realize was a consequence of Princeton's legendary undergraduate focus.

This is all to say that it is entirely possible to gain a wealth of clinical experiences while at Princeton, but it requires creativity and looking beyond what there is to offer at present within the Orange Bubble. Most importantly, you do you! Spend your extracurricular time doing the things that truly enrich your college experience, both academically and socially. If you find yourself bogged down by the "resume building" process required for of the medical school application process, perhaps this path is not for you. It is certainly better to learn that now than after four more years of intensive education. Yes, there will be late nights and early mornings (particularly if you become a Princeton EMT – I highly recommend), but just know that if by the end of each week, month, and semester you are still happy, chugging along with gusto, and as bright-eyed and bushy-tailed as you were during Frosh Week, then everything will work out and soon you will be at the medical school of your dreams!

My takeaway: strive to achieve balance between academic excellence, research accomplishment, clinical exposure, leadership on campus, other-oriented activities, and a genuine passion for helping others through medical care and research.

Please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] if you have any more questions about the process!